November 2005 Meeting Minutes

Present:  Fr. Tom, Bryan Davidowicz, Josie Holzner, Joan Maxwell, Lorraine Morgan, Richard Morton, Phyllis Ramseth

1. Minutes of October, 2005 not reviewed.
2. Treasurer's Report: approximately $3,100 in bank, but a $350 check is  outstanding for annual SVDP archdiocese dues; also, Ann will be issuing checks for Jewel certificates to go with food baskets 25 or more for at least $30 apiece. Joan has taken care of the publicity and we are relying on Ann to make arrangements for the distribution of baskets, collection/storing of food donations, and all other details she handles so expertly.
3. John Peters gave us a report and receipts covering My Brother's Kitchen Oct. 29 expenses, which amounted to $128, and we gave him a check. He also gave us the details of people and food served, etc.
4. Fr. Tom informed us that our new pastor, Fr. Jim, wants SVDP to keep a cash box with $100 or more in the office to give to people who come for help. Everyone agreed that it would be safer and better to give certificates to fast-food restaurants, or Jewel, or bus passes, if requested. Fr. Tom will run this idea by Fr. Jim for his reaction and report to us at Dec. meeting.
5. Richard received only one call this month and it was out of our district. No home visits made.
6. Bryan and Phyllis volunteered to send sympathy cards from SVDP when appropriate and thank you cards especially to Jim Beien for his three years of service as Treasurer. (For our records, please report at the December meeting anything I missed!)

Comments

[Marylee Wilk]

Hi - We the SVDP in Rochester, NY received the following email from someone in need from the Chicago area. Hope you can help them - Thanks

Hello,

My name is Theresa Michalowski and I live in Marengo, IL. about 60 miles from Chicago.

We need help and do not know where to turn.

About 2 years ago my husband had to take a substantial cut in pay from a job he has been at for 25 years.
This really hurt us since we have 7 children to take care of and of course bills and food to pay for.
My husband tried to find another job but because of his age, almost 50, he has been unable to find another job even though he has 25 years experience in Sales. He has been trying to work side jobs to help make ends meet and has been working long hours and not getting much sleep.

About a month ago he became very ill. I took him to the emergancy room where he was diagnosed with Viral Meningitis and Double pneumonia. He was in the hospital for 2 weeks. He was also sick a week before he went into the emergancy room thinking he had the flu. For a month we have had no income coming in besides already hurting from his cut in pay. He recently got out of the hospital but is very weak and still not feeling good. He lost his side job that he was doing since he has been sick for so long. We are behind in our mortgage and utilities. We also need help with food. With 9 mouths to feed, I have been trying to find food where I can. We have been struggling for 2 years now, but with my husband's illness it has gotten worse. I am so afraid of our financial situation. I have severe asthma so I stay home to take care of the children. Could you please help us. We just need to get back on our feet until my husband can start getting better and can try to find a second job. With the way he is feeling now because of the illness he had he can not. He is still suffering from pains in his back and legs and suffers from headaches. He lost 30 lbs. due to the illness and is very weak and still has a hard time going up and down stairs.
I don't know what to do. That is why I am turning to you. Please help us. We would greatly appreciate any help we can get during these difficult times. We pray constantly for a miracle and leave everything up to God. Thankyou so much. My e-mail is tmichalowski@charter.net. My Phone number is 773-383-0930. God Bless, Theresa

[Sister Lucy Windolph]

I need an email address for Phyllis Ramseth. I received a birthday card from her, but I only do email -- I don't do any U.S.mail any more!
Sister Lucy Windolph
(lwindolph@yahoo.com)